Apple Cinnamon Rolls Recipe | Soft, Gooey, and Perfect for Thanksgiving

Freshly baked Apple Cinnamon Rolls bring warm fall spices, tender brioche dough, and gooey apple filling together in every bite. These cozy rolls are topped with creamy frosting, making them a perfect Thanksgiving treat for breakfast or dessert.

Why You’ll Love These Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Apple Cinnamon Rolls are the ultimate comfort bake. The soft brioche dough stays pillowy and rich thanks to butter and milk, while the apple filling adds a sweet, spiced surprise. As the rolls bake, the brown sugar cinnamon swirl melts into a gooey center that pairs beautifully with the tangy cream cheese frosting. They smell incredible as they rise and fill the kitchen with cozy autumn aromas. These rolls are perfect for Thanksgiving morning, a holiday dessert, or a weekend breakfast worth savoring. They’re also make-ahead friendly, so you can prep the dough and filling the night before and enjoy fresh rolls without stress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Brioche Dough

• 250g lukewarm whole milk: gives softness and helps yeast activate
• 50g granulated sugar: sweetens and supports yeast growth
• 2 ¼ tsp active dried yeast: helps dough rise
• 2 large eggs, room temperature: enrich dough and add structure
• ½ tsp kosher salt: balances sweetness
• 565g all-purpose flour: the base of the dough
• 100g unsalted butter, room temperature: adds richness and tender crumb

Apple Filling

• 850g apples (about 4 medium, peeled, cored, diced): star of the filling
• 30g unsalted butter: for cooking the apples
• 80g granulated sugar: sweetens the apples
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon: warm spice
• ¼ tsp kosher salt: balance
• 1 Tbsp cornstarch: thickens the filling

Brown Sugar Cinnamon Spread

• 190g unsalted butter, room temperature: creamy base
• 280g brown sugar: caramel sweetness
• 2 Tbsp + 1 tsp ground cinnamon: deep spice flavor
• ⅛ tsp kosher salt: balance

Toasted Pecans (Optional)

• 125g pecan halves: toasted for crunch and nutty flavor

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 115g unsalted butter, room temperature
• 225g cream cheese, room temperature
• 250g powdered sugar, sifted
• 1–2 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
• ½ tsp kosher salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough

In a mixing bowl, whisk lukewarm milk, sugar, and yeast. Let sit until foamy. Add flour, salt, and eggs, then knead with a dough hook until combined. Gradually beat in butter until the dough is smooth. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Cook the Apple Filling

In a skillet, melt butter and stir in diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Cook until tender. Mix in cornstarch and cook briefly until thickened. Let cool completely.

Prepare Pecans and Cinnamon Spread

Toast pecans at 350°F (180°C) for 10 minutes until golden. Let cool. For the spread, combine softened butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt until smooth.

Assemble the Rolls

On a floured surface, roll the chilled dough into a 24×16 inch rectangle. Spread with cinnamon mixture. Top with cooled apples and chopped pecans. Roll into a log, chill briefly if needed, and slice into 12 pieces. Place into a greased 9×13 inch pan.

Rise and Bake

Cover and let rolls rise for 45–60 minutes until puffy. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 35–40 minutes until golden. Use a thermometer to check; the bread should reach 190°F (90°C) inside.

Frost and Serve

Beat butter and cream cheese until smooth. Add powdered sugar, cream, and salt. Spread over warm rolls so it melts slightly into the swirls. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Apple Cinnamon Rolls

Chill the dough overnight to make rolling easier. Always use a 9×13 inch baking dish, as it contains the gooey filling best. For cleaner slices, chill the rolled log for 10–20 minutes before cutting. To check doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 190°F (90°C). If you prefer nut-free rolls, skip the pecans without losing flavor. For extra holiday ease, prep the filling and pecans ahead so morning assembly feels stress-free.

Make Ahead and Storage Guide

The dough, apple filling, and toasted pecans can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Once baked, rolls keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days. To refresh them, reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warm. Frost just before serving for the best texture. You can also freeze baked rolls unfrosted; thaw and warm them, then spread with fresh frosting.

Serving Ideas for the Holidays

These rolls shine as a Thanksgiving brunch centerpiece. They pair beautifully with coffee, tea, or hot cider. For dessert, serve them slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. You can also add them to a holiday spread alongside savory favorites like a cheesy root vegetable gratin side dish or festive treats such as cranberry cream cheese crescent bites.

Recipe Notes

Yield: 12 rolls
Prep time: 2–3 hours active plus rising and chilling
Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Flavor: sweet, spiced, with gooey apple filling and tangy frosting
Texture: soft brioche dough, gooey centers, optional nut crunch
Optional: omit pecans for a nut-free version

Explore Similar Recipes

• Try these festive cranberry cream cheese crescent bites for a sweet appetizer.
• Make an easy Thanksgiving deviled eggs appetizer for savory balance.
• Bake a cozy simple apple crumble dessert to complement your holiday table.
• Serve with a cheesy root vegetable gratin side dish for a hearty pairing.
• Browse more delicious Thanksgiving appetizer recipes to complete your menu.

Conclusion

Apple Cinnamon Rolls are everything you want from a holiday bake: soft, gooey, spiced, and frosted with creamy richness. Perfect for Thanksgiving, they make mornings brighter and desserts extra special. Bake a batch and watch them disappear from the table with smiles all around. For more holiday inspiration, you can always check out our Pinterest board.

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